#concert etiquette
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A beginners guide to having a fun time at a small show (some of this also applies to bigger shows)
If you've never been to a show before or you've only been to big shows going to a small or diy show can be confusing. The rules and etiquette of attending a small show are different from what you may have experienced or heard about at a bigger show. I'm here to try to give you some tips and pointers on how to have the best night and help everybody else around you have a great night as well.
Small shows are community based, if you only take one thing away from this post let It be that. The environment is that of friends and acquaintances, this includes the bands that play. The members of these bands are just people who are part of their local scene and enjoy playing music. They should be treated like any other member of the audience, you can be friendly and start up a conversation or compliment the set, but remember they're just a stranger who enjoys the same music you do.
Your first show in a new city or venue? The environment and social expectations of a scene can vary from city to city and venue to venue. If it's your first time being somewhere it's always better to follow the social cues of others rather than looking like an ass. If you don't know what's going on try asking somebody:) Many people in the scene are very happy to welcome newcomers and explain the ins and outs of their individual local seen.
Queuing (if you want "barricade"), for 1500 to 700 person capacity venues, depending on whether or not the show is sold out and the artists popularity, I would suggest showing up 2-4 hours before doors. This would be for places like House of Blues, that are arguably not a small venue, but I'm including them anyway. Anything under 600 I would show up 2 hours to half an hour before doors. Anything under the 300 mark doesn't usually have "barricade" per se, the crowd moves around a bunch and showing up early will not help you get a better vantage point. Note: I never show up anywhere more than an hour before doors and I can usually get pretty close to the stage.
Respect the venue and the people working there, if you're attending a small show, especially a basement show, it's really important to be extra aware of where you put your trash and how you're acting. Oftentimes these locations are rented halls or somebody's actual house. This means there wont be any staff that are being paid to clean up after you, not that you should be messy at larger venues. But at these venues especially try to stick around and help out if you can. If the venue is left trashed they may no longer be willing to host shows in the future.
Braving the pit, there are only three rules I would suggest for the pit, and they all boil down to respect. First, if somebody falls, drops something, or seems like they're having a hard time _always_ stop what you're doing and help them out. Second, don't try to be tough, if the pit is too aggressive for you you can either jump around on the side of it or dance somewhere else. Third, unless you're actively pushing somebody always try to keep your elbows tucked, especially if you're tall. It can be really stressful being a short person in a pit that's just a sea of elbows.
Say hi! not just to the band, to the people around you at the show as well. I know this one can be hard, if you went with folks it's very easy to become insular, and if you went alone it can be scary to talk to people by yourself. Something that I've found really helpful is hanging out outside, either between sets, or after the show (you don't need to smoke I often just cool down with a water bottle). Many people will be excited to see a new face and if you seem open to it they might start up a conversation. If they don't and you don't know what to talk about, try complimenting something somebody's wearing, it can often lead to a story that then can lead to a conversation.
Always show up for the openers, even if you don't care about barricade, you should try to show up for the openers both by physically being there and by paying attention and giving them your energy. I've discovered a lot of really wonderful bands by checking out the openers before a show, learning a couple of their songs, and then really getting into it once they're playing.
Take care of yourself, make sure you come having eaten and drunk enough water, I even suggest bringing a water bottle. Most venues will at least have access to water but it's always good to be self-reliant just in case they run out or something happens. Depending on the style of venue they may require this to be empty, If they do require that, you can usually fill it up once you get inside.
Dress appropriately, especially if you're planning on being up at the front at a punk or hardcore show. You will probably end the night covered in other people's sweat and beer, this is amazing revel in it. But, it's maybe not the time to pull out your favorite shirt, unless you want that for your favorite shirt (in which case I love you)
And last but by no means least, always always always thoroughly check the flyer or event posting to make sure you know if the show is a sober / straight-edge show or not.
(edit) A couple of additional tips that have been suggested in the tags, as well as a few new ones from yours truly
Always bring earplugs, some venues will have them for sale but they're not great quality and they can run out. If you plan on going to a lot of hc/punk shows, or honestly a lot of shows at all, I suggest investing in a $15-25 pair, it'll save your hearing in the long run.
Keep your toes safe! Even if you don't plan on going into the pit it's a good idea to wear closed-toed shoes. You'll be in close quarters with people wearing boots who probably won't be able to tell if they are accidentally stepping on your flip flop shod feet. Shows also involve standing for a number of hours so you may want to think about comfort. I suggest wearing at minimum a converse style shoe with a little bit of structure around the toe. I personally always wear boots with a pair of insoles, but that's just me and my rickety ankles.
do you want to wear a bag all night? If so, that's fine, but you're probably not going to be able to enjoy the pit or dance that much. Some smaller shows will have coat checks, but a lot under 300 capacity won't. I generally suggest against just hiding your bag in the corner, I've seen a lot of people get their stuff stolen. So, pare down, I don't even bring my whole wallet, just a credit card, ID, subway pass, phone, keys, and some cash in case the venue only accepts cash or if something happens and I need to get a taxi home. If you end up keeping stuff in your pockets make sure it's secure. If I know my pant pockets are particularly bad at holding things I'll put my cards and cash in a sandwich bag and pin it to the inside of my pocket. This way it's still accessible but won't fall out.
Picking up merch? Do it after the show, merch rarely sells out at smaller shows. So, pick up anything you want after the show, carrying it around all night can be annoying and you might lose it.
Jewelry? If you plan on going in the pit I wouldn't wear dangly earrings or necklaces, they can get caught on things and ripped out or off, which is not fun at all!
I hope you found this helpful<3 if you have any additional questions or concerns please feel free to dm me or leave me an ask and I'll try to get to it
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i cant think of anything to wear.. ive only gone to a concert once.
any tips for things to wear or anything? ♡
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Bebe Rexha getting bricked by a phone… Ava Max getting slapped on stage… somebody throwing they mother’s ashes at P!nk… we need to put together some type of community task force (security not doing shit to prevent this clearly) at these female performers’ concerts cuz it’s getting weird
#this would not be happening at a concert where weirdos got jumped immediately!!! I’m just saying#violence is an answer#concert etiquette
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Gerardpilled Concert Etiquette Guide
Okay so this is my guide for general concert etiquette I think could help a lot of first timers or just people who might not have thought of this!
This isn’t meant as a definitive, written in stone, lists of do’s and don’ts. In fact a lot of people probably think is is overthinking things. If you want to do any of the things I say not to, go right ahead! I just know I personally have gotten a lot of anxiety in the past over if I’m acting weird/rude at shows and I’m just trying to ease that burden for some of you!! Also don’t feel bad if you have done any of this stuff and/or end up doing it in the future. Most of this I’ve learned through trial and error so I’ve definitely committed social faux pas, it’s not the end of the world :)
My experience is limited to shows in New Jersey, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Buffalo, and Toronto. Honestly the atmosphere/vibe has been different every time. Sometimes it’s just a case-by-case experience depending on location and artist!
I have never been to a festival show
Most of this pertains to general admission. Seated events are generally pretty straight forward, but all the clothes/what to bring pertain to those as well!
Google your venue and make a plan before going! See what the capacity is, where you can park, etc. if you are getting dropped off/picked up, organize meeting places. Maybe have an organized check-in text system with a friend if you’re going alone.
Clothes/What to Bring
Dress comfortably! I feel like tiktok has made it seem going to a show requires An Outfit and that you have to go all out. I try to dress cute, but my comfort and safety comes first. no matter how cool it is outside, assume it’s going to be much hotter inside the venue. Definitely don’t wear clothes you’re afraid of messing up. I’ve gotten beer and other stuff spilled on me, it just happens! Here’s what my partner and I have worn to shows in the past:
This was in Canada in March so we wore light jackets and were then able to tie them around our waists once inside. Jacket Checks might exist, but basically ruin any spot you previously held in line.
Shower/bathe in some way before attending. Odds are if you’re waiting in line you’ll get a little gross anyway, but you want to start off clean.
Sturdy shoes. Don’t wear sandals. Boots work for toe protection, just make sure they’re easy to move in and won’t make you overheat (especially at outdoor shows) I personally wear my converse run stars. They give me a bit extra height with the comfort of sneakers
Binders. If you want to wear your binder, I say do so with caution. It can get pretty suffocating once in the venue, and they could just make it worse.
Small bags. This is important for three reasons: 1) a lot of venues have size limits for bags you can bring, 2) comfort inside the venue and 3) bag-checks slow down the line. Mini-backpacks seem to be popular nowadays, but even those can be a little inconvenient (plus easy for people to open) so I’d recommended a cross-body bag. I personally just got the Herschel Sinclair Crossbody in Large (and shortened the straps to sit higher on my body). Don't Bring Tote Bags (annoying to hold and easy to steal out of)
Hydration/food — bring snacks if you’re planning on lining up early! Water too if possible. Most if not all venues will not allow water bottles inside so don’t bring reusable ones. I’m planning on buying one or two of these reusable plastic roll-up ones used for hiking that way I don’t have to waste plastic :)
Travel light. Bring the bare minimum into the venue. Money, ID, phone, keys are all you really have to worry about once you’re in there.
Carabiners. These are great for securing so much. I’ve personally gotten like a 10 pack of these little guys that have a little locking system. These are great for keys (either secure to belt loop or internal zipper within your small bag). The bigger ones are great for hats or anything really!
Might be Controversial, but don’t bring signs. With a few exceptions, signs basically bring nothing good. They block the view of people behind you and most of the time the artist cannot see them at all. A few people have brought fabric banners/flags and I think that makes more sense. They are way less of a nuance.
Don’t bring self-defense items - these will usually get confiscated by security.
Queueing
This is usually where you hear about the most drama. General rules should be just be nice and respectful.
Getting on the queue. The quality of the spot you get on the queue and the time you join it range dramatically between venues/states/countries/type of concert. I’ve never personally started queueing the night before, and I’ve always ended up okay. What usually happens is there’s ~20 or so people who line up night before/early morning, and then sudden influxes midday and also 1-2 hours before the show.
Saving a spot for your friend(s)/cutting. General rule – don’t do it. If you want to be near that friend(s), go to the back of the line where they are. This might sound mean, but cutting is disrespectful to the people who have waited hours. Also don’t put your friend in an awkward position by asking to cut.
Leaving the queue. For every show I've been to, people have been pretty cool about this. Always ask (preferably the person/people behind you) if it’s okay first and be clear what you’re leaving for. If you’re getting food/coffee, offer to get them something. If you’re in a group of friends, at least one should stay behind. Try to make this trip as quick as possible. If the person behind you does take issue with it, you could probably ask the person behind them if it’s okay and just forfeit the one-person spot in line. Also, if you are the person being asked, try not to have a problem with it!
Smoking. This might sound specific, but I’ve heard of problems surrounding this. If you want to smoke (anything) while on queue – ask people around you if it’s okay and/or walk a few feet off the line. If you don’t smoke – try not to get upset over people around you doing so. Odds are you’re all standing on outdoor public property, they can do whatever they want. I personally don’t smoke of any kind and people have been pretty nice about asking if them doing so bothers me!
Talk to people! You are all lining up to see the same artist, odds are you have something in common. Especially if you’re by yourself, it’s great to at least know some people before going in. HOWEVER – considering mcr is such a big ‘fandom’ band, test the waters of what is okay to discuss with people around you. Personally I do not want to discuss shipping or basically anything I post online in person.
Have your bag ready/items in hand before security. Most venues have a simple metal-detector system where they ask you to take off your bag, look inside it, and place it inside a bin so you can walk through a metal detector.
Where to stand
Okay you’re in the venue – now you have to figure out where it will be best to stand. A lot of people automatically think barricade is best, but that’s not necessarily true depending on what you want to do/who you’re with
Going with parent/friend/partner. If you are bringing someone who doesn't care about the band, I will say aim to stand towards the outer side edges of the stage. If you and your parent is okay with it, ask them to split up so they can stand out of the way. With a partner or friend, maybe ask them to stand behind you if you’re not willing to go to the side. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been stuck behind someone who obviously does NOT want to be there. It just kills the vibe.
Barricade. If you’re lucky enough to get barricade, remember this can come with side effects. People have gotten bruised from the metal and have been squished against it to the point of breathing problems. Only stand here if you’re prepared for this!
Middle/center crowd - usually where the crowd can get the most active/rowdy! Stand here if you’re okay with that.
Back. There are plenty of people who just like to attend a concert and vibe with a drink and friends. The back is usually where the casual listeners/older audience members stand.
Specific to mcr– it’s kinda become a joke at this point, but it does seem Frank’s side of the stage fills up quicker/denser than Ray’s side. Do what you wish with this info.
During the show
Getting merch. I usually aim to get merch after the show. If you get it before, you risk losing a good spot and also you have to hold it. However, the line will be long afterwards and with mcr i’ve heard stuff sold out.
Be attentive! Be aware of your surroundings. If you are someone who has health concerns, make that known to people around you and try to notice if others are struggling. Make sure people aren’t being creepy or making others uncomfortable.
Be respectful to the openers. Do not talk through the opening sets or stay on your phone during them. You wouldn’t believe how many times this has happened at shows I've been to. I get it, I personally don’t care about any openers for my mcr shows, but I'm going to stand there and pretend like I do.
Phones. Hot topic issue right here. My recommendation is try to use your phones as little as possible. It’s very distracting for anyone behind you and I guarantee you will not be watching all those videos back. I personally aim to record the little banter between songs because at least that’s unique for every show! If you think something interesting is going to happen or your favorite part is coming up, whip your phone out and aim for less than a minute? (this is just an estimate). After shows I usually have less than 20-30 total videos/photos from the actual set. Especially with mcr, there’s so many people and so much online discussion that odds are someone has captured something. Side note – maybe don’t stand at the barricade just recording entire songs the whole time?
Pushing. It’s going to happen. If it’s obvious it’s an accident, try to be okay with it. Try to be careful, but also don’t leave tons of space in front of you (people will see and it just leads to more pushing). If someone spills something on you, odds are they were pushed and it was an accident. They are probably pissed their drink got wasted.
Shouting at artists. Debatable. Sometimes what people shout can be funny, other times extremely embarrassing. Don’t harass them or make sexual comments. Don’t shout song titles or fandom-inside jokes. I’ve seen people attempt to have whole convos with artists after getting their attention and it’s just awkward for everyone involved.
Sorry that was way longer than I expected! Remember these are just my recommendations, and stuff I've personally noticed. If you have any specific questions about anything or if you think i’ve missed anything send me an ask!
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youtube
if I see a single person in the pit playing on a DS I'm gonna punt that DS into the sky
#concert etiquette#death grips#harry styles#bebe rexha#ava max#seriously people need to learn how to behave#Youtube
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I'm going to a Lovejoy concert during their American tour with my younger sister and neither of us have ever been to a concert before. Does anybody know concert etiquette or anything specific to Lovejoy and their fans? When should we line up to get in, and what can we bring? How do you make sure you have your tickets set up, since everything nowadays is digital?
If anyone knows the answers or knows where to find these answers, I'd be appreciative of any general tips!
#thesearemyposts#concert#lovejoy#concert etiquette#lovejoy tour#lvjy#i usually wouldn't ask but im nervous since im gonna be in charge of my sibling so i want it to be fun for both of us#im five steps away from buying a child's leash so i don't lose her in a crowd lol
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God the basic tenant of concert etiquette is to have as much fun as you want as long as your fun doesn’t mess with someone else’s. at this point everyone in the crowd is such an entitled asshole going to concerts isn’t worth the exorbitant cost, it’s not even enjoyable anymore
#concerts#music#concert etiquette#I’m fucking mad like actually my experience so super hindered AGAIN last night because someone didn’t know how to act#I have fucking bruises on my body because of this little birch#plz no sexyleon
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Not to be That Bitch (tm). But. Seeing people post their “eras tour outfits <3” and it’s them at all three melb shows and one syd show when I couldn’t even get tickets to ONE show for my little sister is making me have violent rage flashbacks to those fucking Americans that followed MCR around Aus and It feels kind of fuxking bullshit ngl.
@benna-benna
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Just throwing some love out there to disabled music fans because there are a lot of us and sometimes it feels like we can't fucking win.
Discourse of the day involves a fan who was reported to have used incontinence products in order to keep their place in line. People are reasonably grossed out by this, because it's gross to choose to soil yourself. Forcing other people to be in close quarters with you and your feces when you could have used the facilities simply because you wanted to be first in line is gross.
It is also gross to misuse disability aids.
It is also gross to throw disabled people under the bus.
This sucks.
This especially sucks because this was for an activity that other disabled people have frequently lamented being unable to do. Standing in line for hours or even days is something that is impossible for so many of us and we have asked over and over to be given some kind of a shot to be up front only to be met with derision by able-bodied fans.
Please remember your disabled friends when you write about this particular subject because there are a lot of layers to this one.
Fuck the system that keeps us all down.
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I dont get people who go to concerts and screech-singing the entire time. I mean....glad that theyre having fun that's cool. Concerts are intended to be fun and interactive.
But...C'MON TONE IT DOWN A LITTLE BIT???? cuz they sounds like theyre having an exorcism.
Like we can't even hear the singer (that we payed for) to sing
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I hate it so much that after the pandemic (and tiktok tbh) queuing and camping for concerts became such a big thing. Why are you there at 7am?? You’re ruining this for everyone.
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I’ve been thinking recently about how disrespectful people are at concerts post Covid-19 and honestly I can’t tell if it comes from a lack of understanding or just pure ignorance. I mean being honest, since we have come out of the pandemic, I don’t think people understand how to act in the pit. General basic concert etiquette is just not there- especially with people perhaps a bit younger than I am. You can tell who has been to a concert before and who hasn’t. I have been to so many concerts and have been in mosh pits and even been seated but it’s so annoying when people just do not understand how to act at a concert. Maybe it’s just me being kinda mean idk
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side note though- does anyone else feel a drop in concert etiquette lately?? idk maybe it’s just me but the past few shows i’ve been to have been crazy and honestly lowkey miserable. people have no regards for personal space and will literally trample you to get as close to the stage as possible for internet clout, not to mention some people are just straight up dicks (more than before).
maybe this is something that i’m just now noticing??? but some of y’all need to learn how to act in public
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There's a part 1 and 2 of this person asking other fans how many Harry shows they've been too, including 1D and solo Harry. Even if it does include 1D concerts, the numbers still amazes me, but then again they're Americans seeing Harry in USA so I'm not that surprised https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS8ys7cTK/
Wow that’s a lot of shows.
But apart from that, why do some of these girls seem to be very drunk? 🥴
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i hate it when girls bring their tall ass boyfriends to girl concerts. what the fuck is your man doing at the bea miller concert. bea milly is for the girls. have you heard "that bitch"???? what's your man doing at the hayley kiyoko concert? weeping in the corner like a little bitch when she's performing "he'll never love you(HNLY)" i promise you, he will absolutely never love hayley kiyoko like me.
if you're gonna bring your big ass boyfriend at least have the decency to stand in the fucking back instead of right in front of my 5'3 friend who is only 5'3 because she wears cowgirl boots with a 2 inch heel everyday.
absolutely despicable. DESPICABLE.
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The problem of Louis at barricade.
Besides the problem of some people still throwing things on stage, this year the barricade aspect feels more extreme and lately this incidents are more often and some fans are not being careful with Louis in the pit.
Paying a ticket, travel to see their artist, camping for hours or days, none of this reasons make any fan have the right to be disrespectful towards the artist and cross their boundaries.
Before I start this text I want to make clear I'm only criticizing the fans who cross that boundary of respect toward Louis I'm not generalizing fans behavior.
[tw flashing in the links] In the EU & Canada tour there was a fan at Cincinnati that was grabbing Louis' throat and sharing it very proud, other fan try to do it in Woodlands. In Phoenix and Vancouver fans grab Louis' head down in the pit. In Philly someone hit Louis' back, there was other in Hollywood Florida when they grab his neck and pull his ear piece, also in Council Bluffs trying to rip his shirt, this were a few events I can mention but this leg in Europe this incidents are also happening.
There was a very scary incident in Hamburg where fans grab Louis into the pit (video 1 & 2) and then when he try to leave fans hold on his tank top and looks like this hurt him. In Vienna someone grab his white tank top and he couldn't leave, in Bucharest happened the same thing with someone grabbing Louis' t-shirt and now in Sofia with fans grabbing Louis' tank top and not letting go when he clearly wanted to leave (even after Louis look at them annoyed the fans that did it were smiling after).
Even if Louis smiled after a few rip tank tops in the US doesn't mean he will always feel that way and always want that reactions from fans, he is allow to change his mind and feel different each time and from recent reactions seems that he doesn't like fans grabbing his clothes.
I don't know if because Louis flips off fans often and is taken as a fun/lovely gesture makes the fans that get an angry Louis flip them off don't get it or they don't read body language and no verbal communication well or they simple don't care what Louis feels, but it's clear when Louis is annoyed or angry in the pit, you see it on his face and behavior.
Whether this moment of certain fans created for attention is because they wanted to be notice by their favorite artist or get a viral video in social media, the things to achieve that can cross the artist boundaries and just in general social rules of how to behave and be respectful towards others. In an article by Rolling Stone they were talking about throwing things on stage but this quote I think can be apply to the barricade problem as well:
"What these incidents have in common is a bizarre lack of respect, a main-character neediness for attention, a child’s ignorance of boundaries. This isn’t fan enthusiasm going overboard—this is hostility disguised as fandom".
In this other article Grace King says "It seems like people disregard concert etiquette to this extent just to gain likes and follow on social media plataform such as TikTok". D'Angelo Wallace a youtuber comment in a video maybe some of this fans prefer to get notice by their artist even if is doing something that can make them mad at them as long as they see them.
Being in a show is a gift, artist want to share a part of their: heart, thoughts, feelings with the music they created. It's just so unfortunate that the artist that is performing in their own show can't feel completely safe because of the behavior of this type of fans.
Just because Louis comes to barricade every show doesn't mean fans can do whatever they want with him and grab him and touch him as they want. Fans need to be careful and respectful with Louis at barricade.
Louis is still a person, he can get hurt, he can feel someone or more than one person cross a boundary of his, just because he wears a tank top or wear any clothes and gets close to fans doesn't mean automatically fans have the right to rip it apart. Louis deserves to be respected in general but specially at his shows.
I hope Louis is okay, I hope he takes the measures he needs to feel safe and comfortable whether that is not going to barricade or going but with more distance, is just sucks that a experience Louis loves so much is getting ruined and make him feel bad. It breaks my heart not seeing Louis enjoying his favorite part of the show going down on barricade because some fans are not gentle with him.
Louis always takes cares of his fans in the shows, from giving free water, to having staff/crew paying attention if fans faint or there are pushing each other. Is up to fans to make Louis feel safe as well.
I don't know how to end this post, I just wanted to share my thoughts, I'm hoping for happier experiences for Louis.
#barricade louis#louis tomlinson#fitfwt#fitf world tour#fitf tour#thoughts about louis#louis and louies#louis deserves to be respected in general but specially at his shows#i don't if someone will read it but i feel a little better after writing this#concert etiquette#long post
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